What topics are normally taught in medical ethics, and how does this information benefit those pursuing a career in pediatric orthopedics?
I am asking this question because I will be taking medical ethics in college and would also like to pursue a career in pediatric orthopedics. #doctor #medicine #healthcare #pediatrics #hospital-and-health-care #sports-medicine
2 answers
Katia’s Answer
Many subjects fall under the ethics umbrella but mainly it deals with medical dilemmas that you will face in your profession. It can range from a patient's right to privacy to a patient's right to refuse a specific medical treatment, and further down DNR orders (do not resuscitate), to living wills and medical power of attorney... and lack of those documents.
It teaches the ethics behind patient-healthcare professional relationship. Should you or could you date a patient?
Should you take care of loved one in a medical capacity, in case they are admitted to the facility you work in?
Should you accept gifts from patients? Should you interfere with family issues? If so, to what extend and how?
Since you want to be a pediatrician, the family dynamic is heavily involved. There will be cases where what the parents want to do can be harmful or even fatal to the child. For instance, parents from religious affiliations that don't approve blood transfusions and the child can possibly die without it. Ethical dilemmas.
Deena’s Answer
It's been a while since I took ethics so I couldn't give you specific topics but it's highly relevant in those pursing medical careers. It teaches about autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice. It allows you to provide the best care towards your patients. It'll answer questions like does the patient have a right to refuse a certain service, what is the best way to treat this patient, and what is fair and equal to this patient. Our first oath as a pharmacist is "do no harm" and medical ethics is a guide to following through with that code. Hope this helps a little.